Alia Performing Musicians (APM) Honours Hon Emmanuel Shimawua With Meritorious Award In Makurdi

The Alia Performing Musicians (APM) gathered on Thursday, 4th June 2026, at the Makurdi residence of Hon. Emmanuel Terna Shimawua, Member Representing KYAN State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly. The visit was to honour his credible performance in office and celebrate his emergence as the APC flag bearer for KYAN State Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event was marked by heartfelt congratulations, music, and a strong sense of unity as APM members turned out in large numbers to show their support and appreciation.

Speaking at the event, APM President Mrs. Queen Bridget Saakaan expressed gratitude to Hon. Shimawua for his unwavering support and kind-hearted nature. She described him as a man of integrity who has consistently stood by the creative community, especially performing artists in Benue State. She noted that his emergence as APC flag bearer reflects his dedication and the positive impact he has made during three years as a state legislator.

Mrs. Saakaan stressed the importance of having leaders who understand youth empowerment and investment in the creative sector. She called on other public officials to emulate his humility and willingness to engage with the grassroots, particularly those in arts and entertainment.

Presenting the "DEFENDER OF DEMOCRACY Award" to Hon. Shimawua on behalf of the group, APM Patron Chief Hon. Dr. Dennis Akura, former Executive Chairman of Vandeikya LGA, described him as a vibrant, tested, and trusted leader. He called on party leaders, elders, stakeholders, youths, women, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to canvass for Hon. Shimawua’s re-election. 

Chief Akura noted that Hon. Shimawua has supported the policies of the Governor Alia administration, including the establishment of the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Ihugh, Vandeikya LGA, within KYAN Constituency. He declared the group’s total support for his second-term bid and urged all stakeholders in KYAN to back him and His Excellency Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, (Asortar U Tiv)

In his response, Hon. Emmanuel Shimawua thanked the APM team for the honour and warm reception. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the programmes of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia across the state and pledged continued backing for the creative sector. 

As Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs, he stated that performing artists are vital contributors to the state’s economy and cultural heritage, not just entertainers. He pledged to work closely with stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth and opportunities for all.

Dignitaries present during the ceremony were; Hon. Thomas Dugeri, Majority Leader, Benue State House of Assembly; Chief Hon. Dr. Dennis Akura, S.A. to the Governor on Economic Planning; Hon. Solomon Igyila, Member Representing Gwer West; Hon. Elias Audu, Member Representing Gwer East; Hon. Shimapever Jiji of Logo State Constituency; Hon. Livinus Ujaimatyu SA to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs; Mrs. Dugeri; Hon Hillary Nyitor; Comr James Achir; Comr Msabe Solomon, YAN Speaker; Comr Ayila Iorwuese; and representatives of Achusa neighbourhood among others.

Highlights of the event included performances by APM artists and the presentation of APC solidarity songs and dances in support of Governor Alia and Hon. Shimawua. Congratulations Hon Shimawua Emmanuel Terna.

HON SHIMAWUA MEDIA TEAM.

AGBESE CLARIFIES SIGNATURE CONTROVERSY, SAYS CCTV FOOTAGE MISREPRESENTED

By Peter Dansu 

Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr. Bishop Philip Agbese, has provided further clarification regarding the controversy surrounding a document allegedly linked to the purported move to elevate Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere to a minority leadership position in the House.

The clarification comes after CCTV footage surfaced online showing Hon. Agbese signing a document, which some individuals have claimed was evidence that he supported the alleged leadership arrangement.

However, Hon. Agbese maintained that while the individual seen in the footage is indeed him, the document he signed had nothing to do with the elevation of any lawmaker to a leadership position in the House.

According to him, the document in question was related to the welfare of members and the agitation for the implementation and delivery of constituency projects, stressing that it was entirely different from the narrative currently being circulated online and in some sections of the media.

Agbese challenged those promoting the allegation to provide evidence showing that the document he signed was specifically intended to support Hon. Ugochinyere's emergence as Minority Leader.

"Let anyone provide video evidence that the document was meant to elevate Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere," he reportedly stated, insisting that the purpose of the document has been deliberately misrepresented.

The lawmaker had earlier raised concerns on the floor of the House over a document purportedly bearing his signature and allegedly linked to the minority leadership issue. He firmly denied the allegation and distanced himself from the interpretation being given to the document.

Proceedings in the House reportedly became tense when Hon. Ugochinyere attempted to convince lawmakers that Hon. Agbese had indeed signed the document in support of his leadership aspiration. In response, Agbese vehemently rejected the claim, insisting that the document and its purpose were entirely different from what was being alleged.

Witnesses said the atmosphere became rowdy as both sides sought to defend their positions before the Speaker intervened and directed that the matter be addressed through appropriate internal channels.

Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media have continued to generate public debate. Supporters of Hon. Agbese argue that the footage has been taken out of context and wrongly presented to create the impression that he endorsed a leadership arrangement that he insists he never supported.

They maintain that the CCTV footage merely captured a separate exercise relating to members' welfare and constituency development concerns, and not any move to alter the minority leadership structure of the House.

Observers believe the latest explanation from Hon. Agbese may help clarify the circumstances surrounding the footage and address what his supporters describe as a misleading narrative that has gained traction online.

Amuwo Odofin Reps Ticket: Olawande Camp Dismisses Azubuike Victory Claims, Insists Mandate Remains Intact

By Peter Dansu 

Fresh controversy has emerged over the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC House of Representatives ticket for Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency as the camp of Hon. George Olawande has rejected reports suggesting that another aspirant, Azubuike, has emerged as the party's candidate.

In a public statement issued on Wednesday, Hon. Seyi Ipinlaye, Director of Strategy and Political Affairs in the Office of Hon. George Olawande, urged residents and party supporters to disregard publications circulating online and in political circles claiming that Azubuike won the contest for the federal constituency seat.

Ipinlaye maintained that the primary election conducted at 206 Park and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains the only valid process through which the party's candidate emerged. According to him, the exercise produced Hon. Olawande as the winner, with the results subsequently uploaded to INEC's portal.

He argued that the provisions of the Electoral Act do not permit political parties to arbitrarily substitute candidates after a valid primary election, except in cases involving the death of a candidate or voluntary withdrawal.

"The mandate given to Hon. Olawande remains lawful, valid and protected by law," Ipinlaye stated, stressing that no publication, internal party decision or unofficial announcement can override the outcome of an INEC-monitored primary election.

The statement also noted that the party's Appeal Committee is yet to conclude deliberations on petitions arising from the primary exercise. As such, it insisted that any purported list of candidates currently in circulation lacks official recognition and should not be taken as the final position of the party.

Ipinlaye further assured supporters and constituents that every legal and democratic avenue would be explored to defend what he described as the mandate freely given to Olawande by party members during the primary election.

The latest development underscores the growing tension surrounding the NDC ticket for Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, with stakeholders awaiting the outcome of ongoing appeals and the eventual confirmation of candidates ahead of the next electoral cycle.

He concluded by expressing confidence that the mandate secured by Olawande would ultimately prevail, declaring that "victory is certain."